Unified register of pre-trial investigations developed

The law enforcement authorities of Ukraine developed a unified register of pre-trial investigations.

In particular, the register was developed by joint efforts of the experts from the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Interior Ministry, the Security Service of Ukraine and other law enforcement agencies.

"It was done not for the law enforcement agencies. The register is intended primarily to help an ordinary citizen for him not to go to a police officer or prosecutor, tearfully asking for help. The introduction of automated recording of criminal offenses will ensure transparency and democracy in the consideration of reports of crimes, especially those which come from the citizens," the Prosecutor General Viktor Pshonka said.

He also noted that the registry will make impossible to conceal crimes and each application will be grounds for a full pre-trial investigation.

According to the Prosecutor General, this is an important step towards the development of legal state and the introduction of international standards into the criminal justice system.

Pshonka said that the unified register will start to function in full starting from November 19, 2012, when the new Code of Criminal Procedure will come into force. In particular, the register will contain details about the circumstances of a criminal offense, a name of a victim, a name of a prosecutor, who opened the pre-trial investigation and other information.